DECEMBER/JANUARY COMPETITION - POST ALL ENTRIES HERE

[heyu]

THE OLD BLOKE'S RESOLUTIONS

@ Peter Tyler....2006

The time is fast approaching
that we complete another year
when people sup from the cup of love
and lilting carols land upon the ear

When families and friendships
assume a more important role
"White Christmas" will be heard from 'Bing'
"Stardust" from Nat King Cole

How quickly this fun time will pass
and our thoughts will turn within
to making resolutions
as we cheer the New Year in

I'll make many resolutions
they'll be made with full intent
that none of them be broken
or even slightly bent

I'll resolve to be a better man
and eliminate bad habits
like frightening the kids by saying
"I ate their pet rabbits"

I'll cover up my flatulence
not treat it as a joke
I'll excuse myself and step outside
and say "I need a smoke"

I resolve to close the toilet seat
and change the paper roll
and clean up any residue
that I leave in the bowl

I resolve to help with washing up
and wipe the dishes too
and leave the kitchen spic and span
after I've cooked the stew

I resolve to take the rubbish out
without ever being asked
I resolve to show the world at large
that I've got lots of class

I resolve to pick my clothes up
not leave them on the floor
I resolve to fix the hinges
on that wonky laundry door

I resolve to never argue
I resolve to never gripe
when she says "Don't stink the house up
with your dirty smelly pipe"

My final resolution
of all these ones I've got
I resolve to be my bad old self
and break the bloody lot.


Peter J. Tyler.......heyu

[Irene]

On Christmas day when I sit down with my family, I will be thinking of all the people who, due to family divisions, will be facing a lonely christmas without their loved ones. This is my christmas wish for them.

A Christmas Gift from Heaven

20/12/06

My heart is still as heavy as the day you went away;
to have us back together as a family, I pray.
The pettiness that drove us both took many months to see;
the stubborn pride I held so dear means nothing now to me.

For Christmas is approaching and they talk of Christmas cheer
but the lonely time I’m facing only fills my heart with fear.
The sorrow that consumes me is reflected in my eyes,
and the value of my loved ones I have come to realise.

Now Christmas morn has broken and I’m sitting all alone
just wond'ring if you’d answer if I rang upon the phone.
I’m wond'ring if you’re feeling all the pain within my heart
and mourning all the wasted days that we have spent apart.

I hear a gentle knocking on the glass beside my door
and calm the hope that’s rising as  I walk across the floor.
I see you, precious daughter, on the porch within my mind,
and pray to God with fervour that today he will be kind.

I glance towards the Christmas tree I put up, just in case,
and at the gifts I bought you that are scattered at its base.
I wonder if another year will pass before you see
the words of love I’ve written on the card beneath the tree.

With trembling hand I open up to greet my Christmas guest
and find that on this special day, I truly have been blessed.
I see the teardrops in your eyes, the pain you cannot hide,
my Christmas gift I treasure as I hold my arms out wide.


Irene

[r. magnay]

“IT’S GOTTA BE DONE BY CHRISTMAS!”

I am sure all tradesman will be able to associate with this!

© Ross Magnay  24/12/06

Now I’m a balding tradesman of over thirty years,
I’ve seen my share of Christmas shows with chook and prawns and beers.
I’ve fought fires on Christmas day and I’ve worked in the mines,
I have been called to fix things up at Christmas many times.

Well none of that concerns me much for life must carry on,
and people will still do those things long after I am gone.
But it never stops amazing me as Christmas time draws near,
why everything must be done now, when it’s waited all damn year!

[zondrae]

OK  it's my turn now. I finished this one on Christmas Eve. Kind of ironic I thought.

The Gift
© Zondrae King (Corrimal) 12/06

The room is almost ready to receive you when you come.
I’m confident you’ll be here any day
and I have chosen down and feather softness for your bed.
We women always make a fuss that way.

They tell me your arrival here will change my way of life.
No fancy parties, for a while, for me.
I’ll volunteer to please you and I’ll cater to your needs.
To keep you fed and happy is the key.

According to my timetable you should arrive quite soon.
The trouble is I cannot guess just when.
That heavy box I lifted must have strained my lower back.
I feel Lumbago twinges now and then.

I’ve carefully scrubbed the bathroom and I’ve cleared out cupboard space.
I’ve planned to entertain you all the while.
A carriage fit to suit a Prince is parked outside the door.
It’s decorated in the latest style.

The present that I'll give you, I’ve been planning for some time.
It’s something special no one else can give.
You’ll find it is quite priceless – can be neither bought nor sold
but stays with you as long as you may live.

To hospital, they rushed me, in the middle of the night.
In spite of all the pain, I’ll be ok.
They booked me in at 1 o’clock. I hope it’s done by eight.
Each pregnancy is sure to end this way.

The pain engulfs my belly and the sweat beads on my brow.
My base instinct returns me to the wild.
I push you out into the world. You’re breathing on your own.
I give the gift of life to you my child.

[zondrae]

and by way of New Years resolutions.....

I WILL     © Zondrae King (Corrimal)  12/06

I’m making up a list of words
like ‘maybe’, ‘later’, ‘might’
replacing them with positives
and learn to live life right.
If I used ‘will’ and ‘now’ and ‘sure’
I know I’d get more done.
Surprisingly I’d have more time
and know I’d have more fun.

Instead of sitting waiting round
for life to come to me
I’ll go outside and search for things
to set my spirit free.
If music is the thing I crave
Show tickets I will buy.
If exercise, I’d twirl a hoop
or throw a ball up high.

If some event amuses me
Ill freely laugh out loud.
If I become a winner
I’ll puff my chest out proud.
I’ll spend much more time writing,
growing roses. That’s the shot.
I’ll be myself in every case.
Not pose at what I’m not.

There’ll also be some negatives
on my new list ‘to do’.
Don’t take responsibilities
for loads of duties, new.
If someone asks a favour, then
I’ll think before I nod.
In truth, the only one we can’t
say no to is our God.

Each morning I’ll examine
my reflection in the glass
and judge how well I’m doing
making sure I act with class.
No more procrastination.
I will say “let’s do it now.”
The only thing that worries me
              is - HOW?

[therese]

A Special Gift

© therese mitchell  27.12.6

my sister has a loving heart
she has a gentle touch
and many things, that she has done
have made me proud so much

years ago, we lived quite lean
money was quite tight
yet she managed, to arrange
a very special night

some kiddies in another van
had nothing of good cheer
she made some decorations
and small presents, to appear

all done, without expecting
any presents, in reply
just happy, in the morning
to hear their joyful cries

   [/list]

[Bernard de Silva]

“SHIRT TALES”.

You see I got this really woeful shirt,
was a present, three Christmases ago.
A thing so bright, my eye balls hurt,
a disaster, in luminous ‘Day Glow’.

I’m equal to most any challenge set,
but wear that shirt…no bloody way.
Not roarin’ drunk, or even for a bet,
I got rid of it, very next Chrissy day.

Wrapped the lot in coloured paper,
wrote in a brand new Chrissy card.
Really got to like the recycle caper,
I hate Brian…hope he takes it hard.

Couldn’t help myself, so I had to ask,
“Brian, did you ever wear that shirt?”
“No way, but I was equal to the task,
last Chrissy, that was my gift to Bert.”

Gifts galore, under my Christmas tree,
everyone has the spirit to some extent.
Even one from Albert, addressed to me,
now fancy that…wonder what he sent.

I’ve torn the wrapping, pulled it free,
and I recoil, in abject shock and hurt.
My eyes don’t believe in what they see,
it’s back again, that same bloody shirt.

©. Copyright: Bernard de Silva. Dec-06.

[Bernard de Silva]

“That Resolve Which Won’t Evolve”.

A quick glance to my natural enemy, the looking glass,
I swiftly check deterioration, to note the wear and tear.
A tired image of ravaged features, strictly second class,
the times, I see confirmation, unkind the passing year.

The lines laced on my ragged image are imprinted deep,
as booze, time and the totaliser punt, all have taken toll.
So tired wishes arrive annually, resolves I’ll never keep,
the same dreary resolutions never confirmed by control.

So each option bears a familiar visage, that patent look,
all broker no contemplation, I break the same each year.
Ah, this season maybe different, kept, each promise took,
a simple old resolution but as to resolve I wouldn’t swear.

©. Copyright:  Bernard de Silva…31-Dec-06.

[therese]

I resolve .... well, almost!

©  therese mitchell

christmas holidays are here  
we got to camp again
i'm really not as fit this year
three days and oh ... the pain!

i resolved to get some exercise
so i headed for the gym
i have to, address my size
my assessor, dont like the look of him

"I see my dear, you've let things slide
don't flinch ... i am the best!
you're arms are saggy, your bum's too wide
and you won't pass, the pinch test"

trudging home, feeling sad and dejected
so much for my resolution
need a cuppa, to soothe being rejected
it seems the only solution.

[Ric Raftis]

Thank you to everyone who entered this comp.  Fourteen entries is great.  Once again, there was a diverse range of topics covered from Christmas wishes that can't be given, to Christmas gifts that aren't wanted, relationship reconciliations and births.  Some were funny, one was a bit gloomy, some sad, and one downright heartbreaking.  All in all, a great variety.
 
I give first place to "Christmas Gift From Heaven" by Irene.  As usual, Irene's rhythm is almost impeccable, and her rhymes are perfect.  The only thing I can criticise is that when talking about God, use a capital H for He (and that's being pernickety isn't it).  I thought the subject was broached tenderly and has described the person's thoughs and feelings beautifully.  How lovely that Christmas brought about their reconciliation!
 
Has everyone watched the show on TV called "Thank God You're Here"- I would like to give an Honourable Mention to "The Gift" by Zondrae.  It also, was a beautiful, emotional piece about the birth of a baby (just a couple stumbles with rhythm, but no problems with rhyme). 
 
And another Honourable Mention to "Write Resolutions" by Vivienne for a well written poem. 
 
I also liked "The Christmas Wish" by the mad mare but thought it was just too sad - no-one should die at Christmas, especially a child.
 
"Shirt Tales" by Bernie was very amusing and very different.  Good job Bernie.
 
However, I believe a DIS-Honourable Mention should go to Heyu for "Old Bloke's Resolutions" for telling children that he's eaten their pet rabbit!!!  (Very funny, but that's nasty, Peter!)
 
And the prize for the most entries goes to Therese!  I particularly liked "Special Gift", a poem about having a lovely Christmas despite being poor.  I would like to see you use punctuation though Therese.
 
Once again, thank again everyone for entering and I look forward to seeing entries in the next competition.  What's the subject, Ric?
 
Judge A. Judi Cater.

[therese]

wow.  thanks so much for your kind words, judge judi.  sorry about the lack of punctuation .... i'll try to do better   

[Irene]

Kym, Bushland Jo, Vivienne, Heyu, Ross, Zondrae, Therese and Bernie
Congratulations - a really great selection of poetry. Thoroughly enjoyed reading them all.

By the way, who kept all their new year resolutions?!? I didn't even make any, because I never keep them!!

Catchya
Irene

[the mad mare]

And congratulations to you Irene - another well deserved win!  I didn't make any new years resolutions either, because I know that is just a waste of thinking time (I know I won't do whatever the resolution is either).

The next topic is a hard one, hey?  .... hhmmmm .....

See ya',

Kym.